Considering that most people spend about one-third of their lives in bed, it's hardly surprising that a mattress can have a big impact on your overall health. There are several types of mattresses, each with a particular set of advantages and disadvantages. Traditional innerspring models remain the most popular type, but newer alternatives -- including memory foam, latex foam, air mattresses with adjustable firmness "zones" (as exemplified by the Sleep Number brand) and organic mattresses made of various materials -- have gained favor with owners. One of the big issues with buying a new mattress is that it generally requires a fairly significant cash outlay -- in most cases about $500 for a twin; $1000 or more for a queen or king. Some cost two or three times as much, depending upon features. And that often does not include the box spring or other foundation. However, with as much time as you spend in bed, and the average length of time you'll own the mattress, it pays to buy the best one you can afford.
Figuring out exactly how much a mattress costs can also be difficult. Most mattress companies have a specific line (or several) of a mattress (Posturepedic by Sealy and Beautyrest by Simmons are good examples of this), and then, within that line, have dozens of different models that are not detailed on the manufacturer's website. So, while several retailers may carry the same line, there is little consistency from retailer to retailer. In addition, the same model may be sold under different names at different retailers. Because of that, for the purposes of this report, we don't rate specific mattresses; rather, we rate mattress lines that get the best reviews across the board. As for price, we have quoted the manufacturer's suggested retail price, which are usually much higher than the actual prices you'll find in stores. We discuss price in more detail -- as well as how to get the best deal -- on our buying guide page. Also, if a mattress is just one of several bedroom purchases you're planning, check out our related reports on bed sheets, pillows and mattress toppers.
Innerspring mattresses have been the most popular type for decades, and countless styles, features and options are available. Models vary greatly in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Price differences may depend on the number and size of the coils, the amount and type of padding, and details such as fabric and stitching. Compared with other types, innerspring mattresses tend to retain less body heat and come in a wider range of firmness levels. They do tend to transfer more motion, which can be a concern if you share your bed with a partner, but can be a plus during sex. They're also less durable and more prone to sagging than other types of mattresses. Most experts say innerspring mattresses should be replaced after 10 years at most. Memory foam mattresses are made from visco-elastic foam, a type of foam that molds itself to the body. While the best-known manufacturer is Tempur-Pedic, quite a few companies offer less expensive versions. Many owners love sleeping on memory foam because of how well it conforms to the curves and lines of the body.
Memory foam is also a good choice if you have a restless partner as it minimizes movement transfer. Going from innerspring to memory foam can take some getting used to, but most who give it time say making the switch was well worth it. Some people find that memory foam traps heat -- a complaint that makers have addressed with the development of gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to create a cooler sleeping surface. Latex foam mattresses, which are made from natural or synthetic rubber, are springier than memory foam mattresses and don't retain as much body heat. They are also resistant to mold and dust mites. In addition, mattresses made of natural latex are eco-friendly, since natural latex is a renewable resource. Many latex mattresses go for several thousand dollars for a queen set, although some lower-end brands that incorporate synthetic latex and a less expensive processing method can run as low as $3000 (for twin). Some mattresses may help to ease back pain. Experts say that adjustable, permanent-use air mattresses may be the best choice for back pain sufferers.
Don't confuse them with inflatable, temporary air mattresses, though, which we cover in a separate report; those aren't considered suitable for long-term use. Permanent air mattresses, such as those sold under the Sleep Number Bed label, have air chambers that can be adjusted to provide customized support, and are topped with padding. Some even allow each side of the mattress to be adjusted independently. Permanent air mattresses can be expensive, running at least $1,000 for a queen set. They tend to be quite durable though, because, while they rely on mechanical parts that can fail, those parts are replaceable. Although it would seem as if the experiences of mattress owners would be the most crucial aspect of finding the best mattress; in fact, owners reviews are fairly hard to come by for specific mattresses. This may be because, as noted earlier, there is little consistency between mattress models. -- which has compiled more data about mattress satisfaction than any other site.
Factors including comfort, value and durability are included in our analysis. The result of our research is the best mattresses for your best night's sleep. Brentwood Home is a primarily online mattress company that sells latex, spring, and memory foam mattresses. I tried the memory foam Sequoia mattress myself for this review, which is the higher-end mattress from their 2016 line. Overall I really like the company Brentwood Home, and had a good experience on the mattress – though I had a few complaints as well (). I think people looking for a high-end mattress at an affordable price will do well here. Read on for my full Brentwood Home review. Click to visit Brentwood Home This video shows the feel and firmness of the Sequoia mattress, the firmest (and most expensive) of the Brentwood Home memory foam options: The mattress clearly has the memory foam feel, since the top layer is memory foam. However it does bounce back a little quicker than a pure memory foam mattress due to the latex under the memory foam.
If you want a quicker reacting mattress (easier to move around, get out of bed) I would check out their latex mattress options. This is an interesting feel, having both cushion and a firm quality. I would put at an 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. I recommend the firmest option if you prefer a firm mattress, or are primarily a stomach sleeper. They also have the Coronado (medium firm) and the Sierra (firm feel) in their memory foam line. The mattress is high quality memory foam, so as expected it performs very well in the motion transfer test. The other firmness options in the memory foam line should perform similarly well. Memory foam typically performs the best for motion isolation, so though I haven’t tried the latex or spring options from Brentwood Home, you can expect they perform slightly less well. However they still may perform at a high level, and may still be a great mattress for couples. Brentwood Home mattresses are manufactured in the Los Angeles factory.
Naturally each mattress in the line will vary based on the firmness and comfort layer material, so reference the Brentwood Home website for any manufacturing concerns (they are very transparent with construction). In the photo above you can also see the wool yarn tufting, which I think is a great feature. It has a nice aesthetic, but note that it runs throughout the whole mattress (holding it together) so that the layers are held together without chemical adhesives. I slept on this mattress for a little over a week, and overall had a good experience. It definitely has the feel of a very high-end mattress, and I really enjoyed the small touches (handles, tufting, etc) in the design. I’m a side-sleeper, so I found the Sequoia to be overall comfortable, but perhaps a little too firm for me. I suspect that in this line the Coronado would be a better fit for me personally. The support was really outstanding, and I’m glad to say the mattress didn’t sleep hot (even though I’m testing it as New York summer is starting).
This is the second mattress I have reviewed from Brentwood Home, and again they impressed in terms of brand and mattress quality. In my mind Brentwood Home is best known for their memory foam mattresses, and so naturally a Tempurpedic comparison always comes up. In my mind the main differences are in quality, price, and construction. The higher-end mattresses from Brentwood Home (including the Sequoia I have here) definitely give the medium-range Tempurpedics a run for their money. The sleep experience and feeling of high quality memory foam were both very similar for me. The lower-priced Brentwood Home mattresses are still good quality (and great value), but I wouldn’t compare them directly to Tempur-pedic in terms of quality. As I’ve said before, Tempurpedic makes some great mattresses, but they are very expensive. Brentwood Home wins hands-down on price (and value). Tempurpedic typically sticks with a full memory foam feel, while you will note that Brentwood Home included a layer of latex in their memory foam line.